Curtains are out. Glass is in. That is, if you want to achieve a sleek, modern touch in your bathroom. A glass shower door helps the space feel more open and clean. That said, you need a little knowledge on how to clean glass shower doors if you want them to stay attractive—just as shower curtains need to be washed or replaced from time to time.
In this blog, we’ll give you the pointers you need to keep everything in order—gathering supplies, daily maintenance, deep cleaning, the proper shower door cleaner, and buildup prevention. Ready to learn how to clean glass shower doors?
Gather Your Supplies
Don’t start spraying cleaner willy-nilly just yet. It’s important to make sure you have everything you need to get the job done right. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Cleaning Tools
- Microfiber cloths
- A squeegee
- A spray bottle
- An old toothbrush (for tracks and corners)
- Cleaning Solutions
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Commercial glass cleaner (preferably ammonia-free for safety reasons)
- Optional: Essential oils or lemon juice for pleasant scents
Daily Maintenance Tips
Now that you have the supplies you need, we can finally get into the details of how to clean glass shower doors—starting with daily maintenance. We all know the best kind of problem is one that doesn’t exist in the first place, so let’s get into a routine of daily tasks that help prevent future issues. A few small daily tasks go a long way towards keeping things nice and clean:
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water and reduce mineral deposits after each use of your shower.
- To quickly remove soap residue, give the glass a good wipedown with a microfiber cloth.
- Allow the shower to air out after use by leaving the door open. This helps air circulation and cuts down on the time you need to spend deep cleaning.
All of these actions are quick and easy, and their benefits far outweigh the small amount of energy you spend performing them.
Deep Cleaning Routine
Of course, despite preventative measures, cleaning shower doors becomes a necessary task from time to time. If you’ve followed the steps outlined above, it’s likely been awhile since your last deep clean, so you’d be forgiven for needing a refresher. Luckily, the process is simple if you take note of the steps below.
Cleaning Shower Doors With Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Spray the glass with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This breaks down mineral stains and soap scum.
- Apply your baking soda to a damp cloth. You can also sprinkle it directly onto the glass for even more scrubbing power.
- Using circular motions, gently scrub the glass. Be sure to pay extra attention to spots that seem more resistant.
- Using warm water, rinse the surface thoroughly and dry it using a microfiber cloth.
- Dip the toothbrush in vinegar and scrub corners, door tracks, and edges—where grime loves to accumulate.
Sometimes, water stains like to hold on extra tight (they can be stubborn like that). In such cases, you can do one of two things; either let the vinegar soak on the surface a bit longer or use a commercial calcium and lime remover. Just make sure it’s safe to use on glass!
Natural vs. Commercial Shower Door Cleaner
The choice between natural and commercial shower door cleaner is up to you, but it helps to be aware of the pros and cons of each.
Natural Cleaners
- Pros: They’re affordable, ecofriendly, and safe for kids and pets!
- Cons: They will likely require repeated applications and increased effort in scrubbing.
Commercial Cleaners
- Pros: They’re strong on stains and they act fast!
- Cons: They can contain harsh chemicals and aren’t suitable for all glass types.
And here’s a bonus tip that could save you grief: If you have frameless or treated glass, be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using cleaners. Some products have acidic or abrasive chemicals that could damage the coatings.
Preventing Future Buildup
It’s not just about knowing how to clean glass shower doors; it’s about knowing how to keep them sparkly without interruption! Here are a few pointers for achieving that goal.
- Apply a water-repellent coating (we prefer things like Rain-X or dedicated glass treatments). Do this every two or three weeks to minimize mineral deposits.
- Make sure you have good ventilation in your bathroom to avoid humidity that could lead to mildew and mold.
- Set a schedule! When you have reminders to perform a quick wipedown once a week, you won’t fall behind.
Cleaning Shower Doors Has Never Been So Easy
When you understand how to clean glass shower doors, you start to realize just how easy it is. By using the proper supplies and techniques—and doing it frequently enough—you’ll keep your shower doors squeaky clean with minimal effort!
Oh, and if you need help with more demanding glass shower door issues, the fine individuals at The Glass Guys are always happy to help you out. Get in touch with us for all your custom glass needs!
